New Eastbound Off-ramp Opens: Auckland's North Shore
A new eastbound off-ramp from state highway 18 has opened at Paul Matthews Rd on Tuesday.
All east bound traffic will now drive through a new intersection at the road.
Under the new layout, drivers have to turn right at new traffic lights on the off-ramp to head to Unsworth Heights, state highway 1 at Constellation Drive or to East Coast Bays.
"This is a significant change to how people move around and as expected, we have seen queues on the off-ramp during the morning peak as everyone gets used to the new road layout," said Waka Kotahi national manager of infrastructure delivery Andy Thackwray.
“We’re advising that delays during peak hours will likely continue while people adjust to these changes and we’re asking people to plan ahead and allow extra time to travel.”
The transport agency has encouraged drivers to avoid state highway 18 and use alternative routes where possible as they get used to the changes.
People travelling from west Auckland to the city can use state highway 16 instead.
The number of vehicles using the off-ramp will decrease when the northbound connection between state highway 18 and state highway 1 opens in about 18 months, Waka Kotahi said.
The change in layout paves the way for construction of the new motorway lanes and shared paths, the agency said.
A transport upgrade will see the Northern Busway extended from Constellation to Albany Station.
It includes a new motorway connection between state highway 1 and state highway 18 and will access the western ring route, along with travel to Auckland International Airport.
It will deliver more than 7 km of walking and cycling paths, road and park connections.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Go to Auckland Northern Corridor project page or phone 0800 624 776 for more information.
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Impersonating tow truck drivers
Police are warning drivers across Tāmaki Makarau to be on the lookout for dodgy tow truck drivers following several incidents in the past few months.
Motorists are being warned of a small group of people pretending to be tow truck drivers, committing crimes by using unregistered tow trucks to pick up vehicles.
Sergeant Suzannah Kimber, Counties Manukau Police, says the group steals vehicles by pretending to legitimately tow them before disposing of the vehicles.
“Recently these offenders towed a member of the public’s vehicle in plain sight.
“Members of the public drove past this tow truck while they were loading it up as it just looked normal.
“They even go as far as wearing high-visibility clothing.”
Sergeant Kimber says Police are taking the opportunity to remind the community that all tow trucks will have external sign writing with the company name and be able to produce their logbook if asked.
“They also must be registered as a transport operator.
“If you see a tow truck without any distinguishing features towing cars, please call Police immediately.”